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Social Security Number Customer Service

For Individuals Who Only Receive Ssp Benefits:

Scammers want your social security number

If you receive only SSP benefits, you will report your changes directly to NYS SSP.

Examples of changes that must be reported include, but are not limited to:

  • Change of residence and/or mailing address
  • Improvement of a disability
  • Income or employment changes
  • Change in countable resources that exceed $2000 for an individual, or $3000 for an SSI/SSP couple
  • Change in living arrangement or household composition, including the death of a household member or changes to who is living in the household. Please note that a change in who is in the household must be reported even if your address has not changed.

The changes listed above must be reported to NYS SSP within ten calendar days of the date of the change.

You should also tell NYS SSP about the following changes as soon as you know about them:

  • Changes in bank account information
  • Changes in your payee

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What Can I Do If I Am Unhappy With My Call To Social Security

If you get off the phone with Social Security and feel as though your question was not answered properly or that your issue was not resolved, don’t give up. You have options available to you.

First, review the notes you took during your call. Did you fail to provide some information to the agent? Did the agent contradict him or herself or official Social Security policy? Identifying any issues with your conversation can be helpful if you need to call back or escalate your case.

Next, call back. While doing so can be frustrating, there is a chance that the next person you speak to will have more education or experience and may be better able to resolve your issue.

If a second call doesn’t provide you with the outcome you desire, get in touch with your nearest field office and make an appointment to meet in person with a Social Security Administration employee.

Ask Questions When They Ask For Your Social Security Number

There is no law that prevents businesses from asking for your SSN. And you may be denied service if you don’t give the number. If giving your SSN to a business doesn’t seem reasonable to you, ask if you can show another form of identification. Or ask if the business can use another number as your customer number.

Remember that some government agencies can require your SSN. These agencies include DMV, welfare offices, and tax agencies. Look for the required “disclosure” form. The form should state if giving the number is required or optional, how it will be used, and the agency’s legal authority to ask for it.1

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How Do People Feel About Their Calls To Social Security Customer Support

Over the past decade, The Social Security Administration closed many of its field offices, which resulted in an increased number of calls to Social Security customer support. This, in turn, led to long wait times to speak to customer service representatives.

Media reports indicate that many Social Security call centers were plagued by low employee morale and high turnover. It should be noted, however, that Social Security Administration leadership has publicly committed to improved customer service.

Answers On Hold Average Wait Times

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*Average wait time for a live Social Security representative to answer a call to the agencys toll-free customer service line

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How You Receive Benefits

If you receive both SSI and SSP benefits, you will receive your SSP benefits the same way you chose to receive your SSI benefit.

If you receive SSP benefits but do not receive SSI benefits, you can choose how to receive your benefits. We strongly encourage you to receive benefits through direct deposit, which is safe, fast and convenient.

If you currently have a representative payee for your SSI benefits, that person will also manage your SSP benefits. If you want to change your representative payee, you must contact SSA. If you receive SSP but do not receive SSI benefits, you can assign or change a payee by calling SSP at 1-855-488-0541.

Getting Help Online: My Social Security

You can apply for retirement and spousal benefits, Social Security Disability Insurance and Medicare online through the SSA website . You can also begin an application for Supplementary Security Income , but in some circumstances you will have to finish it by phone or in person.

Opening an online My Social Security account gives you 24/7 access to your Social Security statement, which shows your earnings history and estimated future benefit payments. You can also track the status of an application for benefits or pending appeal and request a replacement Social Security card.

My Social Security services expand once you start collecting benefits. Among other things, you can use your account to get copies or request replacements of key documents, including tax forms and official verification of your benefit status report a change of address to the SSA and change bank details for direct deposit of your monthly payments.

The AARP Social Security Resource Center has a tutorial on creating a My Social Security account. The SSAs Online Services page has details on information and assistance you can access anywhere using a computer or mobile device. Many Social Security forms are available online to download and print.

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Write The Social Security Administration

The last way to contact the Social Security Administration remotely is by writing to their Office of Public Inquiries. However, its worth noting that it may take longer to receive an answer due to the length of time it takes for letters to be delivered. If you do decide to write the Social Security Administration, use the following address:

Social Security Administration

What To Do If You Lose Your Social Security Card

VERIFY: Calls about your Social Security number being suspended are not legit

Your Social Security number is valuable to identity thieves because its linked to your identity. Learn what to do if your Social Security card is stolen or lost and how to keep your personal information safe.

Reading time: 5 minutes

Highlights:

  • Your Social Security number can be valuable information for identity thieves
  • Consider placing a security freeze or fraud alert on your credit reports if your Social Security card is lost
  • If you know your Social Security number has been stolen, there are some additional steps you can take

Your Social Security number is a valuable piece of information to identity thieves. Its a key element of your identity and is also linked to taxes and credit information. And except in limited circumstances, it cant be changed. Thats why its so worrisome to have your card lost or stolen.

Here are some steps to take for a lost or stolen Social Security card:

1. Consider placing a fraud alert or a security freeze on your credit reports or locking them. With an initial fraud alert, potential lenders and creditors are encouraged to take additional steps to verify your identity, such as contacting you by phone, before extending new credit. A fraud alert lasts for one year and can be renewed. Fraud alerts are free. Contact one of the three nationwide credit bureaus Equifax, Experian or TransUnion to request a fraud alert, and that bureau will notify the other two.

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Whom Should You Trust

After her ex-husband died in 2016, 62-year-old Ewa Gorzela tried to collect survivor benefits. At her first visit to the local office near her Carrollton, Texas, home in 2019, an SSA representative told her that yes, she would receive survivor benefits, but that she needed to bring in another document.

She brought the document to her second meeting but was assigned to a different SSA representative. This one asked if she was still working. She said yes and he said she earned too much money to receive survivor benefits.

Two people and two different answers, Gorzela says. I dont know what to do.

As Gorzela knows, right answers and wrong answers can impact peoples lives. According to a 2018 report from the SSA Office of the Inspector General, some of those eligible to receive widow and widower benefits werent adequately informed that waiting until age 70 to switch from survivor benefits to retirement benefits could have increased their payments. A 2016 U.S. Government Accountability Office report found that some recipients who visited SSA field offices did not consistently receive critical information to help make well-informed decisions. The report cited studies and surveys showing widespread misunderstanding about whether spousal benefits are available, how monthly benefits are determined, and how the retirement earnings test works.

Sss Hotline Number And Sss Contact Number

The best and quickest way to contact the SSS is to call them via their hotline numbers. You can call them any time of the day from 7:00 AM on Mondays to 7:00 PM on Saturdays. The SSS call center is closed on Sundays and public holidays.

SSS Trunkline Number: 8 920-6401

SSS Call Center Numbers: 8 920-6446 to 55

SSS Toll-Free Number: 1-800-10-2255777

Before calling, be ready with your SSS number because the customer service agent will need it to check your records. If you dont know or you forgot your SSS number, the agent will ask for verification such as your complete name, mothers maiden name, and home address.

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Here’s Where To Get More Information On Social Security Numbers

Identity Theft: If you think an identity thief is using your SSN to work or to collect benefits, call the Social Security Fraud Hotline at 1-800-269-0271. If you think someone may be using your SSN to work, check your Social Security Personal Earnings and Benefit Statement. You can get a copy by calling 1-800-772-1213, or online at www.ssa.gov/online/ssa-7004.pdf. Also see the Social Security Administration’s booklet “Identity Theft and Your Social Security Number,” at www.ssa.gov/pubs/10064.html.

History of SSNs: For a chronology of the laws relating to SSNs, see www.ssa.gov/history/ssn/ssnchron.html.

What the Numbers Mean: For an explanation of the meaning of the numbers in SSNs and answers to other questions about SSNs, see www.ssa.gov/ssnumber/.

More on Protecting your SSN: “Fact Sheet 10: My Social Security Number: How Secure Is It?” from the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, at www.privacyrights.org.

Recommended Practices: For recommendations on how organizations can protect privacy in their handling of SSNs, see Recommended Practices for Protecting the Confidentiality of Social Security Numbers on the Business page at www.privacy.ca.gov.

Reporting Changes To Your Case

Citibank Exposed Social Security Numbers on Printed Envelopes to ...

You must report changes that may impact your benefits. The following reporting requirements apply to all SSP/SSPNA recipients:

Your SSP and SSPNA eligibility as well as benefit amount is based on information received from the Social Security Administration as well as information reported to New York State .

Your failure to report changes and/or to report any changes in a timely manner may result in a possible suspension, discontinuance, or reduction of your benefits. You may also have to repay benefits that you improperly received as a result of not reporting changes as required.

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Contact The Social Security Administration By Visiting Your Local Office

You can also simply find out where your local SSA office is. Visit in person to have your questions or concerns addressed. You can find out where your local office is by using the Social Security Administrations Social Security Office Locator. All you need to do is type in your zip code and the nearest office will be pulled up.

If you need to contact the SSA, you have four options for doing so. These are calling, emailing, writing, or visiting in person. Be sure to contact us for more advice regarding Social Security benefits. You can call to set up a free consultation today, and you can also take advantage of our LiveChat feature.

This is attorney advertising. SSDA, LLC is a group of attorneys that pursues claims for Social Security Disability benefits on behalf of its clients against the Social Security Administration. SSDA, LLC is in no way a part of the Social Security Administration. Further, the information on this blog is for general information purposes only. Nothing herein should be taken as legal advice. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, a representative-client relationship.

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Here’s How You Can Contact The Social Security System Regarding Your Account

If you have a question or concern about your Social Security System account, its best to contact the SSS directly to get accurate answers to your queries. In this short guide, we will discuss the SSS hotline numbers and SSS contact numbers that you can use to reach the agency.

While Google and some websites offer plenty of information regarding your SSS account, sometimes its not sufficient. Calling SSS customer service will most likely answer your question or help solve your SSS-related problem because youre getting information from the agency itself. You will get updated and accurate information about your SSS concerns such as contributions, benefits, loans, and other transactions.

In the past, the SSS hotline was available for only 16 hours per day but it was later extended to 24 hours per day. This means that you can even call them at midnight and an agent will promptly assist you.

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How Does The Direct Express Card Work

Each month, your money is automatically deposited to your Direct Express® card account on your payment date. You can go to any bank, credit union, or ATM that shows the Mastercard® logo, even if you do not have a bank account.

  • buy from any place that accepts debit card payments
  • get cash from any ATM, bank, or credit union that shows the Mastercard® logo
  • pay your bills online or over the phone

Social Security Spotlight: How Lack Of Funding Could Severely Impede Services

Social Security Phone Number

Like many people and organizations in 2022, the Social Security Administration is struggling to make ends meet with its current funds on hand. Just how much the agency is struggling was put into clear focus in a blog last week from Jeff Nesbit, the SSAs deputy commissioner for communications. Read the full story here

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Getting Help By Phone

If you are unable to use online services or want to speak directly to a Social Security representative, call the SSAs national customer service number at 800-772-1213 or call your local field office. You can apply for any type of benefit by phone, including survivor benefits and SSI.

The national phone line is staffed by live agents from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time on weekdays except for federal holidays. Outside those hours, you may be able to find what youre looking for using the SSAs automated phone service.

Field offices are open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays. Enter your zip code into the SSAs field office locator to find the phone number for your nearest facility.

Wait times on calls to the national 800 number have fluctuated widely during the pandemic, rising sharply in the early weeks of the outbreak as field offices closed to visitors, then declining as the SSA outfitted more call center staff with tools to handle calls remotely. Hold times have spiked again in recent months as the agency implements an upgrade to the phone system, with waits averaging 32 minutes in February.

The SSA says customers may also experience busy signals or unintentional disconnects as it works through the technical issues and recommends calling when they system is typically less busy:

  • Between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.
  • Between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.
  • Later in the week .
  • Toward the end of the month.

Ticket To Work Questions

For questions or guidance specific to your situation please call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 / 1-866-833-2967 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. 8 p.m. ET.

For general Ticket to Work inquiries, you may e-mail . We regret that we are unable to respond to specific scenarios or provide personalized advice via this e-mail.

Thank you for visiting our site and taking the time to provide us with your comments and feedback.

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Did This Help You

We hope that this handy guide will be of use whenever you need help with your SSS account or membership. Take note that some information might change without prior notice, so if a particular number is not working, then most likely it has been replaced. Well make sure to update this guide from time to time whenever a change is announced by the SSS.

If you have any questions or clarifications about this guide, please dont hesitate to comment below.

What Kinds Of Issues Can Social Security Customer Support Resolve

I get a call from an unrecognized number

Social Security customer service representatives can answer a wide range of questions regarding Social Security programs as well as some questions about your account, benefits and claim status. The representative can also guide you toward the forms that you will need to initiate processes that can’t be completed over the phone.

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Ways To Beat The Bureaucracy

Feel like youre not getting the answers you need from Social Security? Take these steps to improve your odds of customer service success.

  • Avoid calling for help during busy times. Peak hours for the national toll-free number are the first week of the month and when payments are made, generally Wednesdays.
  • Skip the phone and seek help online if you can. The silver lining of the pandemic is that it is now easier to do more things online, says Mary Beth Franklin, a certified financial planner who specializes in Social Security.
  • Explore the Social Security website. If youre receiving conflicting answers to questions, research your issues at ssa.gov. Its a treasure trove of information, Franklin says. Find your answers there, then show the Social Security representative where you found it.
  • Research independently. AARPs Social Security Resource Center includes a comprehensive mix of calculators, tools and articles, plus the ability to submit questions. Many other nonprofits and investment companies also offer useful information, with no obligations.
  • Consider hiring an expert. Deciding when and how to file for retirement benefits is often tricky, especially if you have a spouse. Not thinking through the details can cost you thousands of dollars in lost benefits. But making those decisions is not the SSAs job. The Social Security representative is there to process your claim, not to tell you how to file it, Franklin says.
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